PANATEA

We’ve been fans of matcha for years, and love how you can enjoy it in so many forms. Whether as a frothy beverage or baked into our Blueberry Matcha Muffins, we know that the quality of the tea is important to ensure the best flavor and health benefits.

Our friends over at PANATEA share our views about matcha, and created their matcha tea as a tradition-inspired ritual for healthy modern living.

We sat down with founders David and Jessica to learn more about their company, passion for matcha, and how they’ve partnered with us to create some healthy and delicious goodies.

 

by CHLOE: Tell us a little about yourselves.

PANATEA: We are David Mandelbaum & Jessica Lloyd. Co-founders and husband/wife duo behind PANATEA, a health and lifestyle-driven matcha green tea company.

bC: What’s the story behind PANATEA?

P: It really all developed out of necessity. We were looking for a healthy coffee alternative and found that matcha gave us stable energy without the jitter and crash. Plus, it was easier on our stomachs and full of health benefits. We saw an opportunity in the (traditionally stale) tea category to bring this ancient superfood to the modern consumer. We then teamed up with an experienced tea master, and traveled throughout Japan to find what we think is the most exquisite matcha. We launched the company in 2014!

bC: Why the name “PANATEA”?

P: The name PANATEA (pan-uh-tea-uh) is derived from “panacea”–a remedy, elixir or cure-all. Its fusion with “tea” was conceived to represent matchaʼs nutritious and life-enhancing qualities. After all, matcha IS nature’s panacea.

bC: How were you first introduced to matcha?

P: We actually discovered it in some random shop downtown. We got hooked. It completely changed our energy levels, focus and skin. We couldn’t understand why more people didn’t know about it! And so the journey began.

bC: What motivated you to start Panatea?

P: Matcha really changed our lives. On a physical level, and actually on a spiritual level too. We wanted to share our new healthy ritual with our community. Beyond that though, we wanted to enrich the lives of others by creating a product and brand that inspired healthy living.

bC: What was your experience like starting your own business?

P: The highs were high, and the lows were low! We’ve definitely never worked harder in our lives, but we’ve also never felt more alive and inspired.

bC: What were some challenges you faced?

P: The biggest challenge in the beginning was probably education. It was frustrating because no one understood what we were trying to do. There was no familiarity with matcha out there. It’s been especially exciting to see PANATEA awareness grow as people learn about all the tremendous health benefits of matcha.

bC: How do you see the matcha trend growing in the future? Is matcha here to stay?

P: Matcha is most definitely here to stay. It’s been around since the 12th century. There’s a reason why Buddhist monks used to drink it before meditation, and Samurai warriors before battle! People are only now becoming acquainted with it because it’s being presented in a relatable way. While many get introduced to matcha as a healthy coffee alternative, they then fall in love with it because of it’s flavor and health benefits. As people get more acquainted with matcha, we think it will grow into more than the popular drink or latte. People will be more open to experimenting and incorporating it into their own daily routine.

bC: What’s your favorite way to enjoy matcha? (iced, hot, favorite recipe, etc.)

P: Our favorite way to start the day is with a traditional whisked matcha shot, but then we often shake up some iced recipes in the office for an afternoon pick-me-up. On the weekends, we love getting more creative.

*Pssst… check out our super easy recipe for Matcha Blueberry Ice Cream!

bC: Any insider tips on how to cook with matcha?

P: Matcha is so much more than just a tea. It’s an extremely versatile ingredient too. While savory dishes are definitely delicious, matcha pairs most easily and nicely with sweet ones. And for a quick on-the-go tip, try dusting it into your morning yogurt or oatmeal for an added energy boost and flavor. For more recipes and inspo, check out our recipe page.

bC: How do you see the PANATEA brand and the by CHLOE. brand aligning?

P: We’re both providing healthy alternatives (matcha is to coffee, as vegan is to meat), in an approachable way. Beyond our products though, both brands speak to a similar person – creative, modern, healthy and authentic.

bC: Do you have a favorite menu item at by CHLOE.?

P: Hmmm… Anything with PANATEA! We love the PANATEA matcha kelp noodles + blueberry matcha muffins at by CHLOE. We’re excited to see what Chef Chloe continues to whip up!

bC: Has by CHLOE. changed the way that you view vegan food? How do you incorporate vegan/plant based living into your lifestyle?

P: For sure. It’s really shown how delicious, satisfying and nutrient-filled vegan food can be. There are so many stereotypes out there, but by CHLOE. completely breaks those. We are not vegan, but we definitely live healthy balanced lifestyles, so we love incorporating by CHLOE. meals and snacks into our week.

bC: What should we expect from PANATEA in the future? Any new projects or collaborations on the horizon?

P: Most immediately, we’re gearing up for the launch of our subscription offering, which is set to roll out this summer. Due to the number of our returning customers, we saw demand for a reoccurring business model, and are excited to make the PANATEA customer experience easier and more convenient.

bC: Lastly, what does “Eat Well. Eat with Purpose.” mean to you?

P: Eat clean, in moderation and most importantly, what makes your body FEEL GOOD!

*Bonus: Here are some of our other go-to coffee alternatives!

*Photos: courtesy of PANATEA, BEYOND THE MAG + MOLLY CRANA